The new Ford Explorer EV is a mid-sized, fully electric, family SUV whose name isn’t going to cause any controversy in the UK as virtually no one here has heard of the original American gas-guzzler. Unlike the Capri or Mustang, we couldn’t give a damn about the Explorer’s heritage so won’t be taking to social media to vent our anger at Ford’s “betrayal”. Everyone, really, just calm down . . .
The Explorer is built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, which means underneath, it’s a close relative of the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq. That might sound like Ford’s taken a shortcut, and it has, because it took about 2 years off the Explorer’s development. But turn that frown upside down as there’s enough of the blue oval’s DNA here to make it feel distinctly Ford.
Ford offers the Explorer in just two different trim levels: ‘Select’ or ‘Premium’. However, there are more choices to be made depending on how much power, range, and all-wheel drive capability you fancy.
The standard range RWD model comes with a 52kWh battery and 168bhp, delivering a range of around 233 miles. It’s the most affordable version at £39,875 and still manages a 0-62mph time of just under nine seconds.
For those wanting more miles per charge, the Extended Range RWD model is the sweet spot at £45,875. It bumps the battery up to 77kWh and power to 282bhp, cutting the 0-62mph time to 6.4 seconds while stretching the range to an impressive 354 miles. This version will likely be the most popular, as it offers the best mix of performance and long-distance usability.
Then there’s the Extended Range AWD model, which is only available in the Premium trim and is the powerhouse of the range. With 335bhp and a slightly larger 79kWh battery, it can hit 62mph in just 5.3 seconds. The added grip from all-wheel drive is handy in difficult weather conditions, but it does come at the expense of range, dropping it to around 329 miles. Still, for those wanting a bit more punch and extra security on wet or icy roads, this is the one to go for – even with its £53,975 price tag.
Miura or Minger?
The Explorer won’t win any beauty contests, but I suspect potential customers will find its chunky proportions appealing. It achieves an understated yet confident appearance that’s ultimately more appealing than the VW ID.4, on which it’s based.
At the front, Ford has replaced the traditional grille with a sleek, aerodynamic panel – or blanking plate, as some less generous folk might call it. ‘EXPLORER’ is written large between the narrow headlights and a cheeky front camera sits between the L and the O. Different but appealing . . .
From the side, the Explorer exhibits a well-proportioned stance, the black wheel arches and subtle body cladding now totally standard for a family SUV. ANY family SUV, it would seem. Wheel sizes of up to 21 inches are available, ensuring the rugged look is maintained. At the rear, the design remains minimalist, with that EXPLORER wording, again written large – just in case people aren’t sure just what it is you’re driving.
Overall, it all adds up to a pleasing looking vehicle that is more brutish than beaux but retains some softer curves where it matters.
How Does It Drive? – Surprisingly Nimble for a Big Lad
I was pleasantly surprised by just how well the Ford Explorer drives. My test car was the extended-range Premium model with RWD and it certainly felt quick enough on both the local rural roads and dual carriageways heading toward Edinburgh from Glenrothes.
Ford has tweaked the suspension setup, making it feel a touch sportier than the VW ID.4, which can sometimes feel a bit soft. It’s still very much a comfort-first experience – this isn’t a hot hatch, after all – but it handles the UK’s dodgy road surfaces better than most.
Is it engaging to drive? Yes and no. Yes, for a family-sized electric SUV, no when compared to the fossil-burning Ford Focus or Mazda3. It’s better than you might expect, put it that way.
It feels quite planted and neutral when pushing on through tighter bends – and there is some feel to the steering; again, more than you might expect. There’s an agility that I wasn’t expecting but it’s not enough to make me declare the Explorer a ‘driver’s car’.
It has a tight(ish) turning circle and the rear-wheel-drive layout can provide some snapping-back-into-line fun if you really, really try, while straight-line acceleration will leave most ICE cars for dead. So, yea, the Explorer can provide some vestiges of a ‘driver’s car’ but ultimately, it’s simply a decent-driving family EV that doesn’t feel bloated.
One of the best things about the driving experience is the regenerative braking, which lets you drive with just one pedal most of the time. If you’re new to EVs, it takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you’ll wonder why all cars don’t have it.
The Explorer is a relaxing cruiser too – as you would expect from most electric, larger SUVs. Noise levels are well damped, even at motorway speeds and while you’ll never achieve ‘silent running’ the Explorer feels as refined as most German execs and doesn’t disappoint.
The more I drove the Explorer, the more I liked it – which is always a good indicator that the manufacturer has got the right balance of comfort, performance and ease-of-use. Ford should also be applauded for making the warning ‘bings and bongs’ some of the most unobtrusive out there. I didn’t even feel the need to search for a way to switch them off.
Interior – Space, Tech, and a Secret Stash Spot
Inside, Ford has done a great job of making the Explorer look rather special. The 14.6-inch infotainment screen is the main attraction—it can slide up and down to adjust its angle for optimum viewing. Behind it, there’s a secret storage compartment which is ideal for hiding your choccy stash. Best of all, this area is automatically locked when you lock the car. Nice touch.
The screen itself is sharp, clear and easy to navigate but it also incorporates the climate controls at the bottom, which aggravates me no end as I prefer easy-to-feel-for physical knobs and buttons when on the move. Okay, they’re not the worst to use and they are present no matter what is on the screen, but I suppose it’s the price we pay for a clean-look centre console.
The touch-sensitive sliding volume control toward the top of the centre console is just awful to use. VW at its worst for ergonomic design.
There’s a couple of other minor irritations – like having to select ‘Rear’ from the haptic controls before being able to operate the rear windows from the front; and the short, awkward to see (and sometimes find) gear-selector behind the heated steering wheel.
Other than that, the cockpit is pleasing to be sat in. There’s a soundbar across the top of the dash which provides quality B&O sound as well as a touch of premium-feel to the interior.
The seats are covered in Sensico (Ford’s posh name for synthetic leather), and they feel supportive and comfortable with both front seats being heated and the Driver’s also having a massage function.
There’s a 17-litre MegaConsole between the front seats, which is big enough to swallow all the junk you usually chuck in the glovebox – including a 15-inch laptop, if you so desire.
The main display may seem a little small at 5.3-inches but it provides all the info you need and, again, is easy to read with no clutter. The odd-shaped steering wheel (a squarecal?) feels good in the hands but some of the haptic controls are frustrating to use – again, thank you VW.
Rear passengers get plenty of legroom and headroom thanks to the flat floor and square roofline. The overall space inside is well thought out. However, the boot space is 470 litres, which isn’t class-leading. The Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq both offer more and there is no ‘frunk’ to take up the slack.
Ford has packed the Explorer with a load of safety features to keep you and your passengers safe. It includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 cameras and 3 radars. Some highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go – Perfect for motorway driving, it keeps a safe distance from the car ahead and can even bring you to a complete stop in traffic.
There’s also useful systems such as Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Pre-Collision Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition.
My car came with the optional Driver Assistance Pack (£1,300) which includes a Head-Up Display, Driver Alert, Lane Centering with Lane Change Assist and Active Park Assist with 360-degree Parking Camera.
My fave optional extra though was the Heat Pump that allowed me to pre-set the inside temperature on those cold winter mornings. How wondeerful to have the Explorer de-frosted, cosy and ready to go, without losing any range. Worth every penny of £1,050.
The exclusive paint colour of Blue My Mind added another £800.
Conclusion
The 2024 Ford Explorer is a solid entry into the electric SUV market. It’s got a strong range, good driving dynamics, and a well-thought-out interior, plus plenty of safety tech to keep you and your passengers secure.
Is it perfect? Not quite—the boot could be bigger, and some might find the climate controls and some other switchgear frustrating to use. But overall, it offers great value for money and a stylish, practical alternative to the usual EV suspects.
- AT A GLANCE:
- Ford Explorer Premium Extended Range RWD
- OTR Price (with extras): £53,125
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Power: 286 PS
- Transmission: Single Speed Auto
- 0-62mph: 6.4 secs
- Range (combined): 354 miles
- High Speed Charging (150 kW): 107 miles in 10 mins
